Tems is taking on a major role in Hollywood’s upcoming fantasy film Children of Blood and Bone. The Grammy-winning artist has been named executive music producer  of the film’s official soundtrack. 

Tems will oversee the soundtrack and contribute original music to the project. Her appointment was announced by director Gina Prince-Bythewood during the film’s trailer launch in New York.

Tems’ manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi confirmed the development on social media, revealing that the singer had recorded three new songs for the film.

The latest update came on November 12, when details of the soundtrack and its lead single were announced. Tems will release a new song titled African Love Story on November 20 through RCA Records. The track also features in the film’s latest trailer. 

Photo: Instagram/@Tems

The soundtrack brings together several prominent African artists, including Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Fireboy DML, BNXN, Obongjayar, Moonchild Sanelly, Kold AF, Moelogo, Daecolm, Pa Salieu and Show Dem Camp. Burna Boy will also serve as the project’s executive music consultant. 

Read Also: Tems Becomes First Female African Artist to Earn RIAA Diamond Certification

Tems is not new to Hollywood soundtracks. She co-wrote Lift Me Up, performed by Rihanna for Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The song got an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song in 2023. 

Children of Blood and Bone is based on the bestselling 2018 fantasy novel by Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi. The story takes place in the fictional kingdom of Orïsha. 

It follows Zélie Adebola, played by South African actress Thuso Mbedu, who embarks on a dangerous mission to restore the magic stolen from her people. She joins forces with her brother, Tzain, and royal siblings Amari and Inan as they challenge the oppressive rule of King Saran.

Photo: Getty Images

The film is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. Its cast includes Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Tosin Cole, Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Regina King, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lashana Lynch and Richard Mofe-Damijo. Nigerian singer Ayra Starr also makes her feature film acting debut in the production.

Paramount Pictures has scheduled the film’s theatrical release for January 15, 2027, with screenings planned for IMAX and other premium cinema formats.

Jill Scott has cancelled her planned South African concerts scheduled for November 2026. This has disappointed fans who had looked forward to seeing the American artist perform live in Pretoria and Cape Town.

Showtime Management, the company behind the South African shows, announced the cancellation on Monday, October 19. The promoter attributed the decision to “unforeseen circumstances” but did not provide further details.

Scott was scheduled to bring her To Whom This May Concern World Tour to South Africa as part of her international tour supporting her latest album. The concerts would have marked another visit to the country. 

Photo: Getty Images

The first show was planned for November 7 at SunBet Arena, Time Square, in Pretoria. The second was scheduled for November 11 at Grand Arena, GrandWest, in Cape Town. 

Read Also: Kehlani Brings Her World Tour to South Africa

In an Instagram post, Showtime Management apologised to fans who had been looking forward to the concerts. The promoter also indicated that Scott and her team were considering the possibility of returning to South Africa at a later date.

“Jill and her team are actively exploring the possibility of returning to South Africa at a future date. South Africa has always held a special place in Jill’s heart, and she remains committed to returning and reconnecting with her South African fans as soon as possible.”

This leaves the door open for future performances, although organisers have yet to confirm whether it will be rescheduled. 

Fans who purchased tickets for either concert will receive a full refund automatically. According to the organisers, ticket holders do not need to submit a separate refund request. Refunds will be processed through the original payment method, and all updates will be sent via email. 

Photo:Getty Images

Refunds could take between five and 10 business days to appear in customers’ accounts. Fans whose original payment details are not valid will be contacted with instructions on how to proceed.

Scott’s South African dates were announced in March as part of an extensive international tour covering the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom before its planned conclusion in South Africa.

The singer has performed in South Africa several times. Her previous appearances include a Johannesburg concert in 2013, a Durban performance in 2017 and her appearance at the DStv Delicious Festival in Johannesburg in 2024.

Following her 2024 performance, Scott thanked the Johannesburg crowd for its response to her music. She described hearing the audience sing along as “beautiful and overwhelmingly wonderful”

No new concert dates have been confirmed.

Uncle Waffles will play at Gallo 100: The Sound of a Century. This festival partners with KFM and celebrates 100 years of Gallo Record Company. The event will take place at the Grand Parade on December 15, 2026, with Black Coffee headlining the programme.

Gallo announced the full line-up on October 16. Asides Uncle Waffles, DJ Maphorisa, Oscar Mbo, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Sun-El Musician, Julian Gomes, Ami Faku, Da Mike, Fraser Jones will also be present. 

Uncle Waffles performed at Coachella in California in 2023. She also received a nomination for Best International Act at the 2023 BET Awards. 

Photo Credit: Instagram/@unclewaffles_

The festival recognises Gallo’s long history in the South African recording industry. Established in 1926, Gallo Record Company has promoted different music styles like jazz, mbaqanga, isicathamiya, gospel, reggae, kwaito and house music.

Read Also: Uncle Waffles and Royal Musiq Link for “4 Da Streets” EP Drop

Antos Stella, CEO of Music Arena has this to say about the event. 

“For 100 years, Gallo has been part of the soundtrack of people’s lives. Gallo 100 is about celebrating the artists, producers, writers, communities and music lovers who have helped carry that story across generations.”

Photo Credit: Instagram/@unclewaffles_

Top musicians who have attended the festival includes alMiriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Lucky Dube. The event will run from 1 p.m. until midnight, with only people aged 18 and over allowed entry. Ticket options to choose from are general access, Golden Circle and VVIP lounge packages. 

With Uncle Waffles among the confirmed performers, Gallo 100 will bring together established names and newer artists for a celebration of South African music’s past and present. The December event will also give audiences the chance to experience several of the country’s prominent musical acts on one stage.